Everything was as different from the farm of the
energetic and joyous Stanleys, whose work I had shared only a few
days before, as anything that could be imagined.
Now, my usual way of getting into step with people is simplicity
itself. I take off my coat and go to work with them and the first
thing I know we have become first-rate friends. One doesn't dream
of the possibilities of companionship in labour until he has
tried it.
But how shall one get into step with a man who is not stepping?
On the porch of the farmhouse, there in the mid-afternoon, a man
sat idly; and children were at play in the yard. I went in at the
gate, not knowing in the least what I should say or do, but
determined to get hold of the problem somewhere. As I approached
the step, I swung my bag from my shoulder.
"Don't want to buy nothin'," said the man.
"Well," said I, "that is fortunate, for I have nothing to sell.
But you've got something I want."
He looked at me dully.
"What's that?"
"A drink of water."
Scarcely moving his head, he called to a shy older girl who had
just appeared in the doorway.
"Mandy, bring a dipper of water."
As I stood there the children gathered curiously around me, and
the man continued to sit in his chair, saying absolutely nothing,
a picture of dull discouragement.
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